Questions from DSOs: What is the Difference Between a Reinstatement and a Correction Request?

September 27, 2018

Designated school officials (DSOs) have several options for changing the status of a terminated Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record. If the student’s record was terminated in error, the DSO can submit a correction request through SEVIS. However, if the student failed to maintain status and the termination is appropriate, the student must apply for a reinstatement with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Correction Request

Principal designated school officials (PDSOs) and DSOs can submit a correction request when a student’s SEVIS record was terminated because of administrative error. For example, if a student’s SEVIS record auto-terminated because you failed to register the student for a session by the registration-reporting deadline and the student was enrolled in classes, you would submit a correction request to change it from terminated to active.

You can request the following changes to student records by using the “Correction Request” option in SEVIS:

If an F or M student record is terminated because the student failed to maintain status they must file for reinstatement with USCIS or depart the United States immediately.

The student starts the process by asking you to recommend them for reinstatement in SEVIS. Once you have made the recommendation, you must print and sign the new Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” with an issue reason of Reinstatement to the student.

The student mails a copy of the signed Form I-20 and a completed Form I-539, “Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status,” with applicable fees and supporting documents to USCIS.

Please be aware that the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) will undergo scheduled maintenance and will not be available from Friday, Feb. 1, 2019, at 6 p.m. EST to Tuesday, Feb...